Contained with repositionable slip-sheet to cover outlet

ABSTRACT

The subject invention provides a bulk bag comprising a container and a cover sheet at least partially attached to the lower surface. The cover provides a slip sheet for the container. In a preferred form, the container has an outlet in the lower surface thereof in normal use. The slip sheet is positioned so that it can optionally cover or at least substantially uncover the outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser.No. 09/273,015, filed Mar. 19, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a bulk bg, that is to say a bag whichis of substantial dimension and is designed to hold, for example,500-1000 kg of granular or powder material. Such bulk bags are oftenmanufactured of woven polypropylene material but could be formed ofother materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Traditional bulk bags which have not been designed for pushingand pulling can only be transported by hanging them from hook strapslocated at the top of the bag.

[0004] Bulk bags of the type referred to above have the disadvantagethat, in particular, the lower surface may be damaged duringtransportation of the bag, particularly if the bag is pulled or pushedover a surface. Even minor obstructions such as small stones or the likecan cause damage such as cuts to the surface of the bag, therebyallowing some or all of the contents to escape prior to the desireddischarge time.

[0005] Transportation of the bags may also be difficult, requiringeither pushing or pulling the bag along a surface in many cases or,alternatively, placing the bag on an alternative support such as apallet.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bulk bagwhich will obviate or minimize the foregoing disadvantages in a simpleyet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with auseful choice.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the invention consists of a bulk bag comprising acontainer and a cover sheet at least partially attached to the lowersurface, the cover providing a slip sheet for the container.

[0008] Preferably, the container has an outlet in the lower surfacethereof in normal use, the slip cover being positioned so that it canoptionally cover or at least substantially uncover the outlet.

[0009] Preferably, the container has a substantially square orrectangular lower surface, and the cover covers substantially the wholeof the lower surface.

[0010] Preferably, the cover extends outwardly beyond at least one edgeof the lower surface.

[0011] Preferably, the outlet is positioned substantially centrally inthe lower surface.

[0012] Preferably, the cover is engaged with the container at leastalong one edge of the container.

[0013] Preferably, the cover is engaged along part of the edges of thecontainer meeting the edge set forth in the preceding paragraph hereof.

[0014] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, manychanges in construction and widely differing embodiments andapplications of the invention will suggest themselves without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thedisclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and arenot intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] One preferred form of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a bulk bag according toa preferred form of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of the bag ofFIG. 1 whilst being discharged.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring to the invention shown in FIG. 1, a bulk bag 1 isprovided which is preferably square or rectangular at the lower surface2 thereof. The bag itself may be a substantially rectangular orcube-like structure. The invention is not limited to these shapes but itis expected that they will be the most common shapes.

[0019] At the upper surface 3 may be provided an inlet 4 to the bag andalso means by which the bag may be lifted, such as suspension loops 5positioned, for example, at each corner of the upper surface 3.

[0020] In a preferred form of the invention, the lower surface 2 of thebag has an outlet (not shown), and the outlet may be surrounded by achute 6 through which granular or powder material 7 inserted into thebag may be discharged at a desired time. Other bags may be providedwithout the outlet and chute.

[0021] To allow discharge the bag, where an outlet and chute 6 areprovided, the bag may be, for example, suspended on a suitable support 8passing through the loops 5 otherwise as desired.

[0022] The lower surface 2 is provided with a cover 10. The cover 10covers substantially the whole of the lower surface 2 when abuttedthereagainst but with an extension 11 extending outwardly on at leastone side of the bag, for example, outwardly beyond side surface 12. Thecover 10 is in the nature of a slip sheet as slip sheets are usuallysquare or rectangular plastic sheets having a thickness in the rage of0.5-6.0 mm depending on the use to which the slip sheet is to be put.

[0023] The slip sheet when positioned as shown in FIG. 1, i.e., abuttingthe lower surface 2, enables the bag to be transported and shipped inthe manner known for slip sheets.

[0024] However, the slip sheet 10 of the invention is attached to thelower surface 2 at least along edge 13, preferably being the edgebetween the side surface 12 of the bag and the lower surface 2. Suchengagement may be, for example, by heat bonding, gluing, or sewing orotherwise as desired.

[0025] The slip sheet may also be connected along side edges 14, i.e.,the two edges meeting the edge 13 of the bag. As can be seen in FIG. 2,such connection does not extend the whole way along the edge 14 but onlyfor a selected distance which will allow the cover 10 to hang loose whenthe bag is lifted so that the outlet is unobstructed, and material canbe discharged through the outlet and chute 7.

[0026] Where no outlet is provided, the cover 10 can be connected to thebag 1 in the same fashion, or can be connected about the whole peripheryof the cover 10, or substantial parts of its area if desired.

[0027] Following are examples which illustrate procedures for practicingthe invention. These examples should not be construed as limiting. Allpercentages are by weight and all solvent mixture proportions are byvolume unless otherwise noted.

EXAMPLE 1

[0028] Initially, the bag or container 1 is sitting above the slip sheet10 although connected thereto. Material to fill the bag is insertedtherein, for example, through the aperture 4 in the upper surface 3.

[0029] The bulk bag 1 may then be transported or stored in the manner ofbulk bags utilizing the advantages of the slip sheet, and, for example,the extension 11 allows the slip sheet to be pulled onto adaptedfork-lift trucks or pulled into other places as desired.

[0030] When it is desired to empty the bag, and the bag 1 has an outlet,the bag is lifted, for example by being suspended by the loops 5, andthe weight of the cover 10 will cause the cover to fold away from theoutlet and the chute 6. The material 7 contained within the bulk bagwill then be discharged as required. The empty bag can then be droppedback onto the slip sheet 10 and reused as desired.

[0031] Where no such outlet is provided, the bag can be opened in anyfashion, such as through the opening at the top, or by cutting the bagor otherwise as desired.

[0032] Thus it can be seen that, at least in the preferred form of theinvention, a bulk bag is provided which has the advantage thataccidental damage during storage or transit is obviated or minimized.The bag also has the advantage that it can be utilized without having toplace the bag structure itself onto a separate carrying means.

[0033] It should be understood that the examples and embodimentsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only and that variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purviewof this application and the scope of the appended claims.

1. A container for directly receiving, without an inner liner, amaterial to be contained; wherein said container comprises an uppersurface, at least one side surface, and a lower surface, wherein saidlower surface comprises an outlet through which said material maydirectly exit said container and a cover having an open position and aclosed position; wherein said cover is permanently affixed to saidcontainer; and wherein said cover, when in said open position, exposessaid outlet and when in said closed position, said cover closes saidoutlet; and wherein said cover covers at least substantially all of saidlower surface.
 2. The container, according to claim 1 , wherein saidcontainer has a substantially square or rectangular lower surface. 3.The container, according to claim 2 , wherein said cover extendsoutwardly beyond at least one edge of said lower surface.
 4. Thecontainer, according to claim 1 , wherein said outlet is positionedsubstantially centrally in said lower surface.
 5. The container,according to claim 2 , wherein said cover is engaged with said containeralong at least one edge of said container.
 6. The container, accordingto claim 1 , wherein said cover is engaged along part of the edges ofsaid container meeting along at least one edge.
 7. The container,according to claim 1 , wherein said cover is a slip sheet.